We're already wayyy offtopic so I'm glad to respond here.

I think A Clockwork Orange is just plain great (ditto for the novel). Alex is a very, very naughty boy and it's necessary for the audience to see that. The director could cut the camera away from the violence, but that would lessen some of the impact. We need to know that he truly does not care.

All this is important when it comes down to the point of it all. Free will is the right of any man, regardless of how rotten they may be.

I think A Clockwork Orange is one of those flawed, ambitious projects that talented filmmakers often trot out. Like Empire of the Sun--not a great film, but with a lot of great scenes.

I liked ACO (to the tune of ***) but don't really think it has a point. I'm told the book has an additional chapter which the film doesn't address which adds depth to the material, but the movie didn't seem to have a point. It was an engaging story, but to what point and purpose? Ultraviolence is bad...but so are the methods of the government to correct them...but it doesn't matter because Alex hasn't changed anyway at the end...meh. For anarchic Malcolm McDowell action, give me If... any day

Great post 100% agree.
Most people i know who have tried to watch Clockwork, never make it.
So is the "point", the the need for a film to have a point?
Rob

You know...I'm trying to remember, and there really isn't any blood in A Clockwork Orange.

The only two instances I can remember seeing blood is when Alex cuts, I believe it's Dim, in the water and Mr. Alexander, the writer has a little on his face when they invade his home.

It's actually pretty awesome that A Clockwork Orange can be remembered as an intensely violent film with very little blood spilled.

This is more or less my take on it. Strong movie, but very confused and unsure of itself.

And then sometimes there is something to be said about the rhetorical challenge inherent in telling the story of Alex. The film's larger points may be debateable but the film, like the far-superior Taxi Driver, manages a sort of transport without (for me, at any rate) feeling like a celebration of rape and violence. Alex is, somehow, sympathetic without being at all likeable.

Just a quick guess on the film...

4 stars.

At least I hope.

Can't wait for the review.

The review of THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC is done. It needs to be edited; it is extremely long - probably the longest review I have written in about three years. At any rate, it will be posted tomorrow (February 2).